Analysis and Modeling of the Process of Metal Separation from the Aqueous Phase in a Pseudo-emulsion Based Hollow Fiber Strip Dispersion

Abstract

Novelty extractants from the group of pyridine derivatives: N-(2-ethylhexyloxy)pyridine-3-cabroxyimidoamide and N-decyloxy-1-pyridin-3-yl)ethaneimine as the carriers in the palladium(II) ions extraction from chloride media through pseudo-emulsion based Hollow Fiber membrane strip dispersion (PEHFSD) were presented. The recovery of Pd(II) was around 99% for conditions tested. Moreover usefulness of quantum molecular modeling and engineering calculations in description palladium(II) ions separation process was showed. Quantum molecular modeling results indicated that there is no intermolecular bond between molecules of extractant, thus extractant association do not occur in this system. It is very important because the association phenomena change the optimum strength of the extractant needed to obtain a maximal metal transfer. The application of mass balance equations allow to estimate overall mass transfer coefficient and in consequence describe the kinetics of metal permeation in PEHFSD system. The transport of palladium(II) was investigated as a function of extractant concentrations. The overall mass transfer coefficient of permeation was calculated from the experimental data, the values being found in the range of 5.0·10−6 to 0.14·10−6 m/s.